News Summary
Ennovi Advanced Mobility Solutions is set to close its East Providence plant on January 1, 2025, impacting 205 employees. The layoffs are part of a strategic realignment within the company’s North American operations. Meanwhile, local efforts are underway to support the affected workers, including plans for a job fair. This closure comes amidst a trend of increasing WARN notices in the area, highlighting concerns about job stability and local economies. Additional layoffs have also been announced by Kirby Perkins Construction and Gannett Co., further challenging the local job market.
Rhode Island is facing significant job losses as Ennovi Advanced Mobility Solutions has announced the closure of its East Providence plant, impacting 205 employees. The layoffs are scheduled to begin on January 1, 2025, following a notice submitted to the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training on July 31.
The closure is part of Ennovi’s strategic realignment and consolidation efforts within its North American manufacturing operations. Currently, the company operates 20 manufacturing plants worldwide, including facilities in New Jersey and Mexico. Ennovi is known for producing parts for the burgeoning electric vehicle sector as well as medical technology.
In response to the layoffs, East Providence Mayor Bob DaSilva has confirmed that the city is actively working with local manufacturers and the Rhode Island Manufacturers Association to assist affected employees. Plans are in motion to host a job fair dedicated to these workers, with igus Inc. stepping up to provide a venue at its Rumford offices, though a specific date for the event is yet to be determined.
In addition to the challenges posed by Ennovi’s closure, another local business, Kirby Perkins Construction based in Middletown, has also announced layoffs, affecting 58 employees on September 6. This situation arises from the completion of a significant project, the restoration of the historic Miramar estate in Newport, and is unrelated to any company closure.
Both layoffs occur within non-unionized companies, and the procedures are being conducted in compliance with the federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act. This Act requires companies to provide at least 60 days advance notice before enacting mass layoffs.
The trend of WARN notices in East Providence has been steadily increasing, with 14 notifications logged in the current year alone. This pattern indicates a potentially concerning trend in the local job market that is drawing the attention of community leaders and officials.
According to Kurtis Plummer, the Human Resources manager at Ennovi, the layoffs are attributed to structural changes within the company and variations in project workloads. The plant closure could have wider implications on local tax revenues, a matter that Mayor DaSilva has indicated has yet to be fully addressed.
Additionally, job losses are not limited to Ennovi and Kirby Perkins. Gannett Co., a media giant, has also declared the closure of its printing facility in Providence, which will lead to the loss of 136 jobs. This operational shift is attributed to ongoing supply chain challenges, with printing operations being moved to New Jersey.
As the community grapples with these significant layoffs, local leaders and organizations are mobilizing to offer support to affected workers in navigating the uncertain job landscape. The upcoming job fair may provide crucial opportunities for those seeking new employment in the region.
Overall, the layoffs caused by the closures of Ennovi and other businesses serve as a reminder of the fluctuating nature of local employment and the economic challenges that can arise from larger market shifts.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Rhode Island Current: East Providence Manufacturing Plant to Close
- Boston Globe: RI Companies Ennovi and Kirby Perkins Report Layoffs
- Providence Journal: Job Fair Planned After Announced Closure
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rhode Island Manufacturing
- Vogue: Lindquist American Luxury Handbags
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
